A program that helps seniors in two Vermont regions maintain their independence will close this spring.

PACE Vermont Inc., which provides nursing, nutritional, home and transportation services to more than 100 seniors in Rutland and Colchester, announced Friday that it could no longer afford to operate in Vermont.

While the program has proved successful in other states during the last three decades, the program failed financially in Vermont where difficulties attracting new clients hurt the organization's attempts to offset expenses, according to a company statement.

The pending closing will require roughly 130 seniors to find other service providers such as visiting nursing organizations and will leave about 85 PACE Vermont employees without jobs.